29. Lowri #3
“Didn’t you say we’re having pie or cheesecake?” I ask.
“We are. To Evan, desserts are called pudding. I’m slowly acclimating to his version of English.” Cassie laughs.
An attentive server quickly sets another place next to Cassie, and we’re presented with slices of what looks like a thick pumpkin pie with a graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream.
The first bite has the tang and creaminess of cheesecake with the fall flavors of pumpkin.
“Mmm. I’m in love with this. Can I get a whole pie to take with me? ” I ask.
“I agree. This pudding is delightful,” Evan says, leaning over to give Cassie a quick peck on the lips.
“I’m glad you both like it. Even though the temperatures outside are still warm here, I want my menu to reflect the current season. Nothing signals fall better than pumpkin.”
“Your twist makes it special. But please don’t add a pumpkin coffee to the menu. That’s been way overdone,” I say.
“No worries. You know I don’t drink coffee. My special after-dinner drinks will go in a different direction.”
“The offer of food distracted me. I stopped by with news,” Evan says.
“What is it?” Cassie asks.
“Bri’s been invited to a Las Vegas charity gala and tennis tournament in a couple of weeks. She’s trying to arrange her schedule to arrive early to be here for your opening night. Wouldn’t that be brilliant?” Evan asks.
“It would be fantastic to have your little sister here,” Cassie gushes.
Turning to me, she says, “Lowri, you’re going to love Bri. I can’t wait for you to meet her. She’s full of sunshine and fun.”
Evan chuckles. “She is a ball of energy and makes us all smile. Then when she’s in tennis mode, she’s quite serious. It’s rather amusing watching her transform into the tennis professional when she steps onto a court.”
“Can we watch her play? Lowri and Sean could come too,” Cassie says.
“If you’d like, Bri should be able to secure tickets for us. I’ll ask.”
Taking a quick look at my phone, I’m surprised at how late it is.
“Sorry to leave this party. It’s time for me to get back to work. I’m running late for an appointment,” I say.
“My to-do list is waiting. This has been fun. Are you stuck working for the rest of the day?” Cassie asks.
“Sean and I are interviewing Ron. He’s the stage manager for the Pyrobatics Treasure Hunt . We’re following up on several unexplained accidents in the days leading up to Mr. Brentwood’s fall.”
“I’m off too. Dad expects me on a video meeting in twenty minutes. Lowri, I’ll walk you out,” Evan says standing up.
Cassie leaps up and gives him a quick kiss. “I’ll be finished here by 8:00 p.m. tonight. Can we grab dinner then?”
“I’ll make reservations,” he says.
I give Cassie a hug. With a quick wave, Evan and I hurry out.
As we’re about to part ways, Evan says, “Thank you for all the hard work on the party for Cassie. I’m incredibly grateful for your help.
Forgive me for not sharing that it was an engagement party.
It was important to me that Cassandra was the first to know.
That is other than my parents. Catalinius law required that I ask their permission. ”
“There’s nothing to forgive. It would have been difficult to keep the secret. It’s better you didn’t tell me. I’m thrilled the party turned out the way you wanted.”
“It was perfect. Good luck with your inquiries this afternoon,” he says and, with long, quick strides, disappears into the crowded casino.
He truly is smitten with Cassie, and she with him. Watching those two together, I can’t help being a tad envious of the love they share.
I’ve never been loved that deeply by a man. Hell, my father didn’t love me. Why do I think another man would? Dad only cared about my brother, Jerry. He had no use for a daughter who didn’t play sports.
When Dad cheated on Mom and eventually left her for his young assistant at work, I vowed never to give my heart to a man. No way would I allow someone to treat me the way he treated her.
I sent Dad an invitation to my law school graduation, hoping it would make him proud. He didn’t even acknowledge the accomplishment. By then, he had a new family with his second wife. He’d moved on from my family and didn’t look back. I’ve never contacted him again and never will.
Based on my experience, men suck when it comes to relationships.
Then I see Cassie and Evan together. He was there for her when she needed consoling and support during the guest chef competition, and he’s quick to hug her and cheer her successes. They’re perfect for each other.
But that’s not my life. After college, I learned the only way to deal with men was to join them in their game. At work I’m serious and play hardball; outside of work, I play. All I’ve wanted was to have fun and enjoy sex—just like men—with no strings attached.
So why am I standing here, wishing for a chance at what Cassie and Evan have? I’m torn between preserving the protective shell I’ve created and hanging onto a smidgen of hope that maybe there’s a special man for me too.
My dream guy is someone like Sean. He respects my legal advice, cuddles me after I’ve been mugged, replaces my stolen items, and rocks my universe in bed. Sean even agreed to monogamy when we got married, which would be a requirement for being Mr. Perfect.
Of course, Sean’s not my forever guy. We’re on the same page. No relationships.